Posting list in chronological order: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: Inalienable Rights, Day Nine Stardate: 2405.08.27 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (Starbase Geneva - Corridor - OO Crewman Montro - 11.20) (Starbase Geneva - Personal quarters - TAC/ASC Vladek Rofellian - 17:05) (Starbase Geneva - Childcare Centre, NPC Jayne Sevant, 17.15) (Starbase Geneva - Secondary Trade deck - TAC/ASC Vladek Rofellian - 17:30) (Starbase Geneva - Counsellor's Office - GE-ACOUNS Ensign Roft - 17.38) (Starbase Geneva - Outside the Theatre on the Steps - NPC Jayne Sevant, 17.38) (Starbase Geneva - Secondary Trade deck - TAC/ASC Vladek Rofellian - 17:39) (Starbase Geneva - ACOUNS Office - SPC (NI) Vicki Sevant - 17.40) (Starbase Geneva - Security Office - TAC/ASC Vladek Rofellian - 18:00) (Starbase Geneva - Childcare Centre - SPC (NI) Vicki Sevant - 19.00) (Starbase Geneva - Security Office - SPC (NI) Vicki Sevant and NPC (NI) T'Loren Sevant - 19.45) (Starbase Geneva - Park Deck - OO Crewman Montro - 21.50) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Geneva Mission: Inalienable Rights, Day 10 Stardate: 2405.08.28 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (Starbase Geneva - Primary Trading Deck, Flea Market - OO Crewman Montro - 02.00) (Starbase Geneva - Personal Quarters - GE-FO Lise Arianna - 06.00) (Starbase Geneva - Personal Quarters - SecO Tianna Lantsa - 06.30) **** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: Inalienable Rights, Day Nine Stardate: 2405.08.27 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (Starbase Geneva, Corridor - OO Crewman Montro - 11.20) "Ohhh!" gasped the little girl as she stared up at Montro in amazement. "I'm lost and so are my mum's things. And I'm going to be in sooo much trouble." Montro knelt down beside the little girl and carefully laid one hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "That's alright. Don't worry about it. Tell me what happened?" he said, softly. "Well, I don't know, I met this nice lady, named Hagar,.. and she took me into a room with lots of glass and colours." Montro's ears perked up at the sound of a room with glass and colors. It sounded positively neat. "And then what?" he encouraged, hoping to learn where this room might be and what other wonders it might hold. "And she said lots of funny words. And well, she told me to have my mum touch the things that had stuff spilt on them. But I lost them.... I don't know what to do, she'll be mad that I'm lost, she'll be mad that I've lost her things..." cried the little girl. "Oh, don't cry." said Montro, as he opened his bag and quickly began to rummage for a handkerchief. "Here you go. Blow." <> "Can you tell me your name?" asked Montro? <> "And what is your mommy's name?" he asked. <> "Okay, well my name is Montro and I think we can find your mommy easy." he said. "But first let's see if I can find your mommy's things." Sitting down beside her, he proceeded to dump his bag out and rummaged through the pile of things that flowed out. Searching for a container of candy, he asked, "Now what were the things that you lost exactly? I'm very good at finding lost things. Want a lollipop?" He opened the small pouch containing the little treats and offered it to the little one. <> As she spoke, he rummaged through his pile. "Hmmm.... I don't think I have any of those things....." he said. "Let's go looking for them, then." Quickly he dumped everything back into his bag and slung it back over his shoulder. Offering his hand, he said, "Come on, I'm sure we can find it." <> **** (Starbase Geneva, Personal quarters - TAC/ASC Vladek Rofellian -2405.08.27.17:05) Vladek was in a hurry, the transfer of his Scout ship to the station's shuttle bay had taken more time than expected, he had rushed in his quarter, trowing out his uniform. He opened his closet and put on civilian clothes and a long grey coat with a hood as outer garment. With that coat on he could easily hide his phaser, his hand cuffs and with the hood on his head, no one could guess that he was Romulan, it was perfect for his surveillance. This surveillance had been established rapidly, one of his informer had told him that a drug deal should happen tomorrow around 17:30 on the secondary trade deck around the theatre but he had no informations concerning the people involved. Vladek checked his appearance in the mirror, put the hood on, went out and headed to the nearest turbolift. (Starbase Geneva, Childcare Centre, NPC Jayne Sevant, 17.15) Jayne looked at the chronometer on the wall. She was sitting in the corner, staring at the tattoo on the back of her hand. It gave her a feeling of inner peace, a feeling of belonging, and most of all a feeling of importance. Not just any old person off the street could become a member, you had to be trusted, and pass the tests and survive the induction. Jayne had done all that, and she was the youngest, the proudest of all the members of her house. It was a bond greater than friendship and greater than family. It was getting to be about time. The people that she was supposed to meet were going to be arriving at 17.39 and they were going to be on the trade deck outside the theatre, sitting on the steps, that was where she was supposed to meet them. Jayne walked over to the lady who was supervising their room. "Excuse me, Ma'am, I was wondering, may I please go to the washroom?" Jayne asked in her politest voice. Amelia who had been working in the under 2 room all day, looked at the child before her. She was eight years old, she seemed to be so polite, and so good mannered. She just wanted to go to the washroom, surely she didn't need supervision. Amelia sighed. Her obvious fatigue showing through her brow. "Yes, fine, but be back in two minutes alright? What's your name?" Amelia asked the child to record it. "T'Loren" Jayne responded in her politest voice. "Is it alright if I just tell my sister where I'm going, I don't want her to worry. She gets worried a lot and I promised mum that I'd take good care of her." Jayne said in her most grown up way. Amelia smiled. It was so good to see that older children were taking responsibility, and that they were helping their parents. "Yes , of course dear." Amelia stated, "But do so quickly." She smiled. Jayne just nodded and then went over to where T'Loren was playing. "I'm going to the bathroom. Can I take your teddy?" T'Loren was playing with some other children and she immediately stopped and looked up at Jayne. "No. You aren't just going to the bathroom." "I am so. Shut up and give me the bear." Jayne countered rudely. "NO!" T'Loren stated. However Jayne was too quick for her, she grabbed T'Loren's teddy bear and was out of the room like a shot, having been granted permission to go to the washroom. However, the washroom was not where she was headed, she was going to meet someone. (Starbase Geneva, Secondary Trade deck - TAC/ASC Vladek Rofellian -2405.08.27.17:30) Vladek was standing at the entrance of the bar, partially concealed by a column, he was facing the theatre entrance. His ear piece was in place, he tapped gently his commbadge he had fixed on his coat's lapel. " Ok guys, keep your eyes open, it's nearly 17:30 " he said to his security men also dressed in plainclothes and also mixed amongst the people. Then Vladek noticed something, a young girl went in direction of the theatre and sat on the steps. Due to the distance, he couldn't see her perfectly, she seemed to have 14 or 15 years old, she was strangely dressed for a girl of that age, she had black hair and as far as he could see she had a nose ring and she was holding a teddy bear in her hands. ~ What is she doing here ? Is it possible that she is our messenger ? ~ thought Vladek but he had read in several reports that certain drug rings were using young children to do the deliveries. " I think we have our target, the young girl on the steps, wait for my signal to intervene." he said to his men. **** (Starbase Geneva, Counsellor's Office, ACOUNS Ensign Roft, 17.38) After Vicki finished giving Tap a more detailed description of all the things that was troubling her, Tap couldn't help but think to himself. ~Well, Tap. You've got a patient with a recently deceased mother, a matricidal daughter who hangs out with the 'wrong' crowd and a husband unaware of the situation who might not be all too understanding. I'd say this counts as being thrown into the deep end of counselling.~ Vicki sat down again after fetching Drachon. She was now holding the stuffed toy. Tap started to get the idea that offering Drachon to Vicki wasn't a bad move. ~Well, the stuffed toy paid off, but that doesn't mean you can just sit here. Say something, myself. Okay, myself.~ Tap snapped out of it for a second and said a bewildered "Huh? Oh." and continued thinking. ~This is getting weird. I'll just talk.~ "Okay Vicki, where shall we start? Your daughter. Do you feel that it's your fault that she turned into such a different person, so quickly?" <> Tap listened to what she had to say but he felt he had to go a little further. "Well, regardless of who's responsible for the disastrous effects the drug circle had on your daughter, more attention must be given to the solution of the problem. I think you made a good choice to 'kidnap' her from her new 'family'. She might hate you for that, but it doesn't sound as if she can judge what is good and bad for her, so obviously someone who can will have to do it for her. She needs to be convinced that you really care for her. To be honest, I don't know of any sure-fire way of doing that, but we can try. Would you like me to try and get through to her?" <> NRPG: I don't know if you intend to play Vicki's daughter's character too, if you don't it's fine. After all, it's Vicki who came to Tap for help, now Vicki's daughter. RPG: Tap didn't know what else to say to Vicki about her daughter. Most of what he said simply sounded like stating the obvious. "I must say," he began "I can't believe all these things are happening to you at once. But they are all happening and we have to make it better. Uh, your husband. Don't you think you might be exaggerating the response he might have to the situation? He does know that your mother passed away, right? He can't expect you to be responsible for everything that happens to your children. Nobody can prevent bad things from ever occurring. I hate to state the cold truth to you right now, but problems do and will occur. It is inevitable. The damage has been done and the 'mission' now is to repair what has been broken." Tap realized how that he sounded less and less sympathetic. ~Carefull Tap. She wants to be advised, not scolded.~ "I know I'll sound like a moron for saying this, but try not to worry about the future. You don't know how your husband is going to react. That means that you can't exactly plan ahead. When he arrives and you tell him what happened, you will see what his response will be and you can handle that situation in the way necessary. So my advice is, try not to worry about what your husband will think, because you're not really the bad guy here. You're more like the victim. What do you say to that?" <> (reply Vicki Sevant) (posted by Gordon Amp) **** (Starbase Geneva, Outside the Theatre on the Steps, NPC Jayne Sevant, 17.38) Jayne sat on the steps, waiting. The other party would be there soon, and she would be able to complete the trade. Then, she had a chance, perhaps she could get herself passage on a freighter to get back... home. She heard some footsteps, and she turned around. (Starbase Geneva, Secondary Trade deck - TAC/ASC Vladek Rofellian -2405.08.27.17:39) Vladek wasn't loosing the girl from sight, then two people went in her direction. They exchanged a few words then the girl opened the teddy bear's back, took something in it and gave it to one of the man. "Now, get them" yelled Vladek in tapping his commbadge. Several Security men appeared from everywhere, the two people tried to escape but they were rapidly tackled on the floor. Seeing that the young girl, put the drug back in the Teddy Bear and ran away trying to escape the Security men. But unfortunately for her, she was running in Vladek's direction. When she approached the column, Vladek showed oneself and grabbed her by his wrist. "Where do you think you are going young girl ?" Vladek asked "I had wanted soo badly to get tickets for my mum and dad's anniversary for them to attend the play next week, but the box office is closed." Jayne said forcing her face into a sad frown. Vladek looked at her, she was younger that he thought, she could have nine or ten years old maximum. ~ She is only a child, how could it be possible ~ thought Vladek in noticing the tattoo on her hand. Vladek had already seen that tattoo in the database. It was the mark of the Et Altapa drug ring. She was trying to get free from his hold but Vladek was gripping her firmly. They went in the direction of his men "Put these two people in the brig, I'll interrogate them later and you to my office " he said to the young girl. **** (Starbase Geneva, ACOUNS Office, SPC (NI) Vicki Sevant, 17.40) "Okay Vicki, where shall we start? Your daughter. Do you feel that it's your fault that she turned into such a different person so quickly?" "It's all MY fault," Vicki lamented. "I was the one who LET her go and stay with my cousin and this was what awaited her. I HAD NO IDEA! Surely if I had I wouldn't have let her know, but I just TRUSTED, I didn't double check or make sure of anything, I was to preoccupied with my own selfish grief that I did not even adequately investigate the place where I was sending my daughter!!!" "Well," The counsellor interrupted Vicki's hysterics, "regardless of who's responsible for the disastrous effects the drug circle had on your daughter, more attention must be given to the solution of the problem. I think you made a good choice to 'kidnap' her from her new 'family'. She might hate you for that, but it doesn't sound as if she can judge what is good and bad for her, so obviously someone who can will have to do it for her. She needs to be convinced that you really care for her. To be honest, I don't know of any sure-fire way of doing that, but we can try. Would you like me to try and get through to her?" ~She already hated me, nothing new~ Vicki thought sarcastically. "Mr. Roft, you can try, I can bring her around sometime tomorrow maybe if you like, but, there's no way to get through to her, she's stubborn.. just... like.. her... father..." Vicki lamented, thinking again on the situation at hand, and how Cally was going to react, that was not a situation that she was looking forward to in the slightest. "I must say," the counsellor began again, "I can't believe all these things are happening to you at once. But they are all happening and we have to make it better. Uh, your husband. Don't you think you might be exaggerating the response he might have to the situation? He does know that your mother passed away right? He can't expect you to be responsible for everything that happens to your children. Nobody can prevent bad things from ever occurring." ~IF I were a better parent, I could have.~ The counsellor continued, "I hate to stat the cold truth to you right now, but problems do and will occur. It is inevitable. The damage has been done and the 'mission' now is to repair what has been broken." ~Great and we start where? I had her in COUNS' offices BEFORE the drug ring even...not like she listened then either.~ "I know I'll sound like a moron for saying this, but try not to worry about the future. You don't know how your husband is going to react. That means that you can't exactly plan ahead. When he arrives and you tell him what happened, you will see what his response will be and you can handle that situation in the way necessary. So my advice is, try not to worry about what your husband will think, because you're not really the bad guy here. You're more like the victim. What do you say to that?" ~No matter what classification is placed on me, the matter is still the same, I LET my daughter be cared for by people that incited her into a drug ring, and then... and then... she was. AND NOW... look at the mess before me.~ "I'm not sure. It all keeps coming back to me that if I'd been more wary and more cautious and in effect a better parent, this would never have happened. And I'm not sure how my husband will react to that.... But thank you, for listening to me." She finished as she was truly thankful. <> **** (Starbase Geneva, Security Office - TAC/ASC Vladek Rofellian -2405.08.27.18:00) Vladek was at his desk, the young girl was sitting in front of her. She was daring at him with a strange look in her eyes. "You seemed very young to already do such a business, no ? what's your name ? and where are your parents ? " he asked. She didn't responded to any of his question. " If you decide to remain silent, it's your right but let me tell you something if you persist in such a way, you are going in front of serious problems." She didn't say a word, she was gazing into space." Ok you've made your decision, maybe a little stay in the brig will loosen your tongue." "Balok, put this young girl in one of the cell." he said to one of his man. Vladek didn't appreciate to act like that, it wasn't a place for a child but it was for the moment the only solution he had, hoping that his parents will appear soon. (Reply any) (Posted by Katherine Mazurok and Patrick Buidin) **** (Starbase Geneva, Childcare Centre, SPC (NI) Vicki Sevant, 19.00) Vicki had finished with Counsellor Roft, her mind was still mulling over what he'd said. She went to the lounge and ordered a coffee, watching the world as it paraded by. She found herself wondering if there were any other parents of drug dealing children, she really could use someone to talk to now. Not that the counsellor had been unhelpful, quite to the contrary, however, it was the simple realisation that it was his job to be like that, Vicki longed for a shoulder to cry on that was a friends, and the more she thought the more she longed for Cally. But the Nimitz was still a day away at least and then when he arrived, he would be wanting to see her and the girls, and their 'happy' family. That was not at all what he was going to find. Vicki's heart sank. She felt as if she'd been a failure not only as a mother, but as a wife as well. Rumour had it that the Nimitz had been engaged in battle, which would leave Cally's department in the forefront, and if there'd been losses, and his responsibility to the ship... she shuddered. The least she should have been able to do was to give him one place of happiness, one sanctuary to look upon, his family. And now, there was NO WAY that would ever happen. Finishing her coffee, Vicki stood and walked slowly through the lounge. She felt in a daze, everything around her seemed to be moving in slow motion. She knew she needed to claim her children so that they could go to their temporary quarters. Another sleepless night of watching, to make sure that Jayne wouldn't try to exact revenge upon T'Loren or herself. Vicki sighed heavily as she reached the Childcare centre. ~What's wrong with this situation? I should be 'happy' to claim my children, I should look forward to seeing them, not loathe the thought of having to care for Jayne.~ Putting on a happy front, Vicki went to the Childcare desk and waited patiently for someone to attend to her. The whole facility was in somewhat of a chaotic state, there were people looking all over, and calling 'T'Loren! T'Loren! where are you hon!' Vicki swallowed hard. Her stomach knotted. T'Loren wasn't a common name in the slightest. What if? Jayne had... Vicki would NEVER forgive herself. She grabbed the nearest childcare staff and spun her around. "What's going on?" Vicki almost shouted in her face. "Easy, easy.." The lady said. "And you are?" "Vicki SEVANT! Jayne and T'Loren's MOTHER!" Vicki's tone and volume were somewhat elevated with anxiety. "Shh." The lady said gently placing her hand on Vicki's shoulder. Vicki shrugged the hand off as fast as she could, she did not want comfort, not from this woman. "What's GOING ON??!" "There's been... well an escape of sorts, it appears that T'Loren signed out to go to the washroom and never returned." Vicki caught a quick glance of someone sitting in the corner crying, she looked a little closer and noticed that it was T'Loren. She was under a table crying. Vicki pushed past the staff member despite her protests and the fact that parents weren't allowed in there, and she ran over to her daughter and scooped her up in her arms bringing her face within centimetres of T'Loren's nose. "Love, why are they looking for you? They said you sighed out to go to the washroom and did not return? Where's teddy?" She asked with a hushed voice as she held T'Loren close. The little girl began to cry. "It wasn't me mummy, I tried to stop her, she... she... took teddy too, and she signed out under my name.... " Vicki wrapped her arms even tighter around her daughter as she moved her onto her left hip. She brought her in close so that she could feel T'Loren's hot tears trickling down her own neck. "It's alright, luv, it's alright." Vicki then walked back outside the room, to where the childcare staff member was standing. "This is T'Loren Sevant. The missing girl is one Jayne Sevant and I TOLD YOU that she has a habit of trying this. The ONLY option now is to contact security. I will see to that myself. This incident WILL be reported." Vicki stated with an angry tone. She could feel T'Loren's muscles tense with the anger in her mother's voice. She placed a hand on T'Loren's back and began to rub it in a circular motion. ::It's alright, luv, I promise, everything's just fine, I'm here, I won't leave you again, not here:: Vicki thought at her with soothing tones. With that, Vicki turned and stormed out of the Childcare facility. (Starbase Geneva, Security Office, SPC (NI) Vicki Sevant and NPC (NI) T'Loren Sevant, 19.45) "Excuse me, I require some assistance, I'm looking for a little girl of about eight years old, she has dyed brown hair and a tattoo on the back of her hand... she 'usually' answers to the name of Jayne Sevant..." <> (Reply Roft, Security, any) (Posted by Katherine Mazurok) **** (Park Deck - OO Crewman Montro - 21.50) "Hang on! That's good beer! You can't be using that as cleaner liquid!" replied the soiled man in red. "Really?" said Montro, genuinely surprised. "It does a very good job of that." "It took my people ten years to brew a beer like this!" admonished the man. The man seemed to go somewhere else for a moment and Montro felt sorry for the man. He seemed to have a very heavy burden upon him. ~Maybe he'll feel better if I can get his shirt clean~ thought Montro, as he tried to look helpful. "I see," the man said, as he removed his shirt and examined Doris and Boris' decorations. "I guess it does need a wash. Here, there you go, little man," The man offered Montro his shirt, but Montro was surprised by the sight before him. He had never seen anyone with such a strange looking chest. The man absentmindedly scratched the plate that was now his chest. "Oh that," he said. "A little welcoming present from my previous command. It's not too bad, I guess. It's a metallic plastic. Gives about the flexibility as a bone and skin chest. Well, in fact, it is a LOT better than my own bone and flesh, seeing that that was completely crushed." ~The poor thing.~ thought Montro, as he finally took the offered shirt and began to clean it. "Mind if I have a taster?" The man asked. "If you want. Doesn't taste as good as it smells though." replied Montro, as he scrubbed away at the stains. <> Montro watched the man drink the cleaner and he seemed to enjoy it. He shrugged and continued on with his task. He made a mental note to scold Boris and Doris later. ~Wow, he has four pips. I wonder who he is~ Montro thought, as he cleaned. When he was sure that he had removed the stains, he handed it back to the man. "Sorry about this. Why don't you take the bottle? I've got more in my quarters." offered Montro. <> **** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Geneva Mission: Inalienable Rights, Day 10 Stardate: 2405.08.28 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (Primary Trading Deck, Flea Market - OO Crewman Montro - 02.00) "I'm sorry, but you really need to move." said Montro, to an angry vendor. The vendor yelled an expletive demanding what the reason could be. "I don't know. It's orders. We need to make room." he replied. "That all I know." When Montro had reported in for the midnight shift, he had been informed that they would be working around the clock making room for incoming guests. He didn't know who was coming, but he was told that they needed to use any and all available space. Estimates were rumored to be about 500 people incoming. That meant that everyone was getting a roommate in the habitat modules and even the park deck was being converted into a tent city of sorts. Closing the flea market area should have been easy, as most vendors closed for the evening. Except for this one, apparently. "I demand to hear from an officer." the vendor said. "I came here to trade!" "Maybe you could talk to one of the permanent merchants? I understand the merchants guild is making arrangements for displaced vendors." offered Montro, as other OPS officer began "helping" to pack up the vendor's belongings. "What?!?" said the exasperated Vendor. "Hey what are you doing?" "Just following orders." replied Montro with a large toothy smile. "Why don't I show you to the Merchants' guild president? I'm sure she'd love to help you." Calmly taking the vendor's arm, Montro began to "guide" him out of the area. "Hey, where are you....." protested the vendor. "Don't worry, everything will be okay." (Starbase Geneva, Personal Quarters, FO Lise Arianna, 06.00) There it was again, for easily the fortieth time that evening, a hand, either male (of Yori’s) or female (the Admiral’s) passing towards her. Each time, Lise saw it she cringed, as her instincts told her the situation that was about to occur, but would permit her to do nothing about it. Again, and again, she’d watched and felt the emotional torrents as she would cringe, feeling the rage of the individual across her. And then, SMACK it would occur, again. The tears would run, the rage, the fury the hurt would all spew forth, all amplified by the fact that it was… a dream. Or at least, it was this time. Lise sat bold upright, another slap, another throw across the room, she’d relived her day yet another time, this time ending not any better than any of the others. Lise touched her forehead, her perspiration was clammy as she felt the fright and sickness double over her. What was it that was happening? How could two such awful things happen to her in one day? First there had been Yori, who had slapped her and demeaned her in public. On the Main OPS DECK NO LESS! He’d undermined her in every way possible, and then, to add insult to injury he’d Physically assaulted her. Then the Admiral, who’d slapped her with such force, such jealousy and rage, concerning one man…. Aragorn. If that weren't bad enough, Aragorn himself had thrown her halfway across the room, she’d hit the wall with a large thud, but more than that, it had been her pride that had been injured. In one day two men that she’d loved had disgraced her so. Perhaps it was not merely them, perhaps, it was also her ? Her stomach churned, nearly sick with the concept of it. Maybe, what she’d seen as honour wasn't truly it? Maybe she was truly this awful creature that was undeserving of …. Lise couldn't complete her thought. All those feelings of shame, anger and fright mingled together was what her dream consisted of. The Counsellor had tried to shed some light on the situation, but Lise hadn't really paid too much attention to it, as she was going to live her life as she pleased regardless, she knew the truth, that the one she loved, was Aragorn… The Admiral was weak, the fact that she decided she no longer loved Aragorn was a sign of weakness, she realised that she could not have him. But wasn't that wrong? Wasn't something, what…. Lise hadn't felt this way before, when she’d first seen Aragorn, she… she’d… Lise shook her head, it was throbbing, she couldn't think straight. She took a deep breath, and then slowly laid down, shifting uncomfortably as pain shot through her body. ~What is this?~ She thought rather annoyed, it wasn't like anything serious had happened that day to make her writhe with such pain. She’d felt this pain before and it was almost as if she’d been on the receiving end of a few rounds of combat training with her favourite, (now banned), computer program. Lise groaned as she carefully stretched her arm and rubbed the base of her neck. Moaning slightly, she turned her head as if to crack her neck and the muscles along the side of her spinal column screamed in agony. ~Oh shut up!~ she thought angrily at them, trying to silent their constant cries. She put her hand to her forehead again, her head was throbbing. It was also wet, her cold sweat beading on her brow. She moved her hand down the side of her forehead, brushing it and her matted soaked hair away from her face, and “S***” She screamed as her hand passed over her left cheek. The pain was incredible, it began in her face and expanded to fill ever nerve fibre of her body. Slowly, Lise rose and carefully made her way across to the mirror. She hesitated only a moment before looking in it. Her left cheek was swollen to nearly twice its size, it was all black, brown, blue and green. It looked simply nasty. Lise tried to touch it again, but the main made her howl in agony. She knew she had a problem, there was no way that this was easily concealable, even if it were, the mere process of applying make up to it would likely have her pass out with pain. Lise reasoned that there was the probability that there was at the very least a fracture in her facial structure. As she’d been slapped with great force by Yori, then the Admiral, and when Aragorn threw her across the room, she’d landed with her left cheek smashed into the wall. Lise sighed, looking at her swollen reflection in the mirror. ~There’s no way around it. I could live with the pain, I could make myself perservere… but it would jeopardize my duty, and my fellow officers, because I wouldn't be functioning at a level of ‘acceptable’ standards.~ Taking a deep breath, holding her head up high, Lise made the journey that would cut down her pride, but would save her self. To sickbay. **** (Starbase Geneva, Personal Quarters, SecO Tianna Lantsa, 06.30) Tianna had gone to the rec lounge after her duty shift, and she'd sat there for several hours, just staring out into space. However, her mind was constantly drawn to Aragorn. But why? Tianna wondered, there was no reason for her to be drawn to him in that way. Forty-five times, the Lantsa symbiote had fallen in love. Forty-five. Sometimes they were a love so true, so strong that it lasted throughout a lifetime. Others it was shallow and lusty. Depending on the host, depending on the woman, depending on the situation. But this... this... Love for Aragorn, did not fit any pattern, not that love should fit a pattern. But it did not even make sense. She'd hardly met Aragorn, and while he was somewhat Physically attractive, he was old. Much older than Tianna. Well aside from the fact that the Lantsa symbiote was much older than she anyway, that would make her older than him, but... Tianna looked up at the ceiling of her quarters. She'd gone there after staring for hours in out of the observation lounge, craving rest, her body was weary, the day's events had been stressful for her. But rest had not come, she kept her mind drawn back to the situation at hand, well to be more precise Aragorn. But why? She couldn't place it. She knew that it wasn't 'real' love and yet, at the same time it seemed to be so incredibly real. She couldn't deal with it. Her head hurt. Perhaps it had been all the thinking, perhaps it had been the day, but it hurt. Her mind was drawn back to the earlier events of the day how Lt. Cmdr Tokugawa had slapped Lieutenant Arianna right on the main ops deck. He'd acted strangely before, but it had turned out to be not his fault, after all there had been some outside force which had affected.... 'some outside force that had affected him' This love wasn't real because it wasn't from within, it was.. projected? Tianna wondered if that was the right word. But... it wasn't real that was certain. ~I've got to get to sickbay~ She thought, realising that whatever was acting upon her was most probably acting upon others as well. Tianna dashed out of her quarters, still in her nightgown, her hair flowing down her back as she ran barefoot over the painful deck plating to sickbay. (Reply none) (Posted by Katherine Mazurok) ****